*
When they returned to her flat, Rachol looked up from where he lay on the couch watching the viewer, shock etched on his face. "That didn't take long. I've never known a woman not to take at least half a day to shop for anything." "I can't imagine why the trip was so short," Nykyrian said in a sarcastic voice that made Kiara take a second look at him.
Rachol laughed, switching off the viewer and sitting up. "You should try smiling. I think it would take the edge off people."
Nykyrian doffed his long, black coat and draped it over a chair. "Actually, they mistake it for an attempt to bite. Once my teeth are bared, they quake in fear. I've even seen a few lose control of their bodily functions."
Rachol laughed even harder.
Kiara didn't find it amusing in the least. She sat her bag by her chair and moved to the closet to get wrapping paper and tape.
"Do you want me to relieve you tonight?"
Kiara paused at Rachol's question. Biting her lip, she looked at Nykyrian.
He continued to face Rachol. "No," he said to her immediate relief. "I think I can handle everything. You know how lightly I sleep."
Rachol snorted and glanced at Kiara. "If you com e out while he's sleeping, don't touch him or make any sudden moves. He's been known to bite."
She pulled the tape off the top shelf. "I'll take care," she said absently.
Rachol lifted a questioning brow. "What, no fear?"
She shrugged and plopped her bundle of wrapping supplies on the floor. "I'm the daughter of a soldier. My father comes awake with a blaster aimed at your head if you disturb him from his sleep."
Rachol gave Nykyrian a knowing smile. "And I thought it was just you and your idiosyncrasies."
Nykyrian shrugged and sat in the other chair across from the couch. "I've told you not to think. It's just a waste of your time."
Kiara looked up, startled by the barb. There was a tiny lifting of the corners of Nykyrian's mouth that might actually be a smile. She glanced at Rachol who took the words in stride.
"Well, I guess I should be going. I've got a psycho to track." Rachol hesitated for a moment, casting her a sheepish glance before looking back at Nykyrian. "Are we still planning on tomorrow?"
"We can't. Everyone's scheduled tomorrow."
Rachol scratched his head. "Then when are we going to do it?"
Kiara pursed her lips, wishing she knew what they were talking about.
"Hauk's free the next day. He can watch Kiara."
Rachol nodded. "I'll have Hauk come over then the first thing." He gave Kiara an encouraging smile. "You two be careful and don't let the diras get you."
Kiara waited until Rachol left before questioning Nykyrian. "Why are you leaving?"
"I've got a few things to take care of."
She unrolled the wrapping paper and cut a square large enough for the box. "Can't Darling stay with me instead of Hauk?"
His head snapped toward her. She saw his breathing intensify as if her question outraged him. Too late, she realized her mistake. "It's not because he's Andarion," she said quietly, wrapping the paper around the box. "Even you have to admit Hauk's not the nicest person around."
He relaxed. "I guess not," he said with a sigh. "Darling has his own things to do. Hauk just likes to intimidate people. Stand up to him and he'll back down."
"Or, have me fricasseed by the time you return."
"There's always that possibility."
With a grimace, Kiara pulled the tape off with a loud screech.
Hours passed quickly while Nykyrian worked and Kiara tried to find some way to occupy her time. Reluctantly, Kiara finally called the dance company to inform them of her temporary withdrawal from the show.
She lay on her bed, listening to the clacking of computer keys as Nykyrian worked on whatever seemed to occupy him. If only she could put him out of her mind as easily as he seemed to do her.
After awhile, she got up and went to the studio to practice. She m ight not be able to perform for the next few weeks, but she couldn't afford to let her muscles stiffen.
In spite of Nykyrian's efforts to concentrate on paperwork, the sound of Kiara's dance music lured him out of his cocoon like Tyna lured Brilar to his early demise. Without conscious effort, he found himself walking down the corridor to the studio.
His breathing stopped as he saw her in all her graceful glory twirling about the room.
Chills ran down the length of his body. What he wouldn't give or do for the right to peel the tight exercise suit off her lithe body and make love to her for the rest of the night. He gripped the wood of the door frame until his knuckles turned white.
Kiara turned about and caught a sudden flash of silver. She almost stumbled as she realized Nykyrian was watching her. "I'm sorry," she said, taking deep, calming breaths, unsure of what m ade her more breathless, her exercise or his obvious interest. "I didn't realize you were there."
She reached to turn off the disc player.